Q#2 Brathwaite

Kamau Brathwaite: Roots

  • Ann Arbor Paperbacks

    • Published by the University of Michigan Press

    • Copyright © by Kamau Brathwaite, 1993

  • ISBNs: 0-472-09544-7, 0-472-06544-7

  • First edition: 1986 by Ediciones Casa de las Américas, Havana

Table of Contents

  • Sir Galahad and the Islands / 7

  • Roots / 28

  • Jazz and the West Indian novel / 55

  • Caribbean critics / 111

  • Creative literature of the British West Indies during the period of slavery / 127

  • Brother Mais / 171

  • The African presence in Caribbean literature / 190

  • History of the voice / 259

Page 3: The Legend of Cuffee Ned

  • Bournehills Mas' Pageant:

    • Annual celebration reflects the community's shared history and struggle.

    • Represents defiance against systemic oppression.

    • Community voices unify to celebrate a moment of rebellion.

Themes

  • Collective Identity:

    • Voices of the community emphasize collective strength and trust.

    • Recognition of a shared heritage despite historical oppression.

Page 4: The Complexity of Caribbean Languages

  • Language Diversity:

  • Creole, English, and remnants of ancestral languages coexist.

    • English is the imposed imperial language.

    • Creole emerges as a linguistic adaptation blending African languages and English.

  • Historical Background:

    • The Caribbean islands were originally populated by Amerindian peoples.

    • Post-Columbus, European colonization fragmented local cultures and introduced slavery.

    • Imported laborers from West Africa brought their languages, influencing Caribbean English.

Page 5: Language and Education

  • Educational Systems:

    • The dominant system perpetuates colonial languages, ignoring local linguistic diversity.

    • A disconnect exists between the educational curriculum and Caribbean realities.

  • Cultural Disconnect:

    • Local heroes and experiences are overshadowed by British literature.

    • Influence on Literature:

    • Caribbean writers often adopt foreign literary models over indigenous experiences.

Page 6: Emergence of Nation Language

  • Nation Language vs. Dialect:

  • Nation Language incorporates African influences and everyday speech.

  • The importance of oral tradition in maintaining cultural heritage.

Examples in Literature

  • Calypso and Rhythm:

    • Calypso as a potential avenue for new poetic forms, breaking traditional boundaries.

Page 7: Characteristics of Nation Language

  • Draws heavily from African oral traditions and reflects cultural experiences.

  • Cultural Identity:

    • Emergence of distinct sounds, rhythms, and expressions rooted in Caribbean life.

The Influence of Music

  • Music deeply interwoven with language, providing rhythmic and expressive patterns.

Page 8: The Role of Poets and Cultural Forms

  • Contemporary Poets:

    • Some Caribbean poets explore nation language and the complexities within local culture.

  • Literary criticisms often lag in recognizing the validity of dialects as rich linguistic expressions.

Page 9: Nation Language as a Cultural Strategy

  • Importance of acknowledging the poetic forms derived from oral traditions.

  • Comparative Analysis:

  • Study of historical influences reveals a growing recognition of indigenous contributions.

Page 10-12: Poetry and Social Commentaries

  • Examination of poems addressing socio-political issues in Caribbean society.

Upper-Class Influence

  • Poets from upper classes often write in conventional formats, potentially lacking depth in representation.

Page 13: Language and Identity

  • Recognition of poets who have used their platform to address local issues and cultural suppression.

  • Miss Lou's Contribution:

    • Critique of colonial language hierarchies.

    • Focus on folk and community language shapes identity.

Page 20-26: Evolution and Contemporary Expression of Nation Language

  • Emerging Styles and Voices:

    • Voices like Michael Smith and Oku Onoura epitomize this blend of cultural expressions today.

  • Poets harness musical elements to create impactful societal narratives.

Nation Language in Popular Culture

  • Reggae, calypso, and other musical styles reflect the vibrancy of Caribbean society and its struggles.